BASKETBALL WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Country Championship Rules
Correct as at 13:30pm December 14, 2016
2017
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Contents:
1. Association Eligibility
2. Rules
3. Nominations
4. Number of teams
5. Player Eligibility
6. Number of players
7. Eligibility for finals
8. Grading
9. Advancement & Relegation
10. Working with Children cards
11. Mouth Guards
12. Veterans
13. Movement of players
14. Method of play
15. Game timings
16. Forfeit
17. Uniforms
18. Basketballs
19. Officials
20. Referees
21. Scorers
22. Photography
23. Standings
24. State Junior Team Squads
25. Protests and Disputes
26. Judiciary Committee
27. Penalties
28. Appeals
29. Withdrawals
30. Door Charges
31. Amendments
32. Items not provided for
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BASKETBALL WESTERN AUSTRALIA
BASKETBALL WA COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP RULES
1.
ASSOCIATION ELIGIBILITY
The Basketball WA Country Championships shall be open to all affiliated Country Associations
provided the Association is financial with Basketball WA (BWA) and conducts a local competition.
2.
RULES
The BWA Country Championships will be conducted under the current Official Rules of Basketball as
approved by FIBA, unless stated by the Basketball WA Country Championship Rules.
3.
NOMINATIONS
Nominations for inclusion in the BWA Country Championship shall close at 5pm on Friday 13 January
2017. Late nominations will be placed on a waiting list and may be included at the Competition
Administrator’s (the Administrator) discretion (refer Rule 29).
The nomination form for both Seniors and Juniors is to be completed and returned to the Basketball
WA Community Basketball Administrator accompanied by:


The nomination fee
Referee details for each nominated team
Working With Children Card information – number and expiry date (see also Rule 10)
By entering the BWA Country Championships, all participants agree to abide by the relevant Code of
Conduct as per the attached Appendix.
Failure to forward full payment with nominations may result in the Administrator placing an
Association on the waiting list.
4.
NUMBER OF TEAMS
Senior Championship nominations shall be restricted to Divisions, each of which shall contain seven
(7) teams (subject to nominations). Each Association shall be entitled to nominate one (1) team per
division plus one veterans team (Rule 12). In special cases the Administrator has the power to
procure additional teams in the best interests of the Championships.
Major Regional Associations are required to place a team in Division One of the Championships prior
to entering any additional teams. Associations affected by this are as follows:
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
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Albany
Bunbury
Geraldton
Kalgoorlie
Mandurah
Junior Championship Nominations will be restricted to one (1) team in each age group from any one
Association i.e. 1 x team in Under 14 Boys Championship team, 1 x team in Under 14 Boys Division 2
team etc.
In special cases the Administrator has the power to procure additional teams in the best interests of
the Junior Championships. The invitation to procure an extra team will only be extended to those
Associations that are in Division 1 in the year of the Championships. Such invitation can only occur
after all nominated teams have been allocated to a division and provided there is a need for an extra
team.
5.
PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to represent an Association in any Country Championship conducted by Basketball WA,
all players must fulfil all of the following: i
be under the age restriction as at 31 December in the year of
competition i.e. 2017
ii
be fully financial with their Association, and Basketball WA.
iii
have permanently resided in a country area since mid-December of the year prior to
the Championships.
iv.
be a regular playing member of that Association’s competition
having played a minimum of four (4) games in that Association’s
most recent competition.
v
be turning 18 years in 2017 to participate in a Senior team i.e. born
in 1999, 1998 or earlier.
NB: If any player is a WABL player, they are required to play for their local Association
not their WABL one if they want to compete in the Country Championships.
Any requests for exemptions to these rules must be submitted in writing to BWA at least
2 weeks prior to the Country Championships. This includes but is not limited to players
who have relocated over the Christmas/New Year period and wish to compete for their
previous Association.
(b)
Associations who have secured the services of players for the purpose of
participating in the State Basketball League, and who were not regular playing
members of that Association’s competition prior to 1st January in the year of the
Championships, shall not be eligible to compete in the Senior BWA Country
Championships.
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(c)
Where an Association is not entering a team for a particular age group and is willing
to provide a clearance for a player who wishes to play for another Association,
approval must be confirmed from the Competitions Administrator at least seven
days prior to the Competition start date.
(d)
A Special Category of eligibility will apply for Senior/Veteran country players who wish
to participate but are not aligned to an affiliated Country Association because the
place where they reside meets the following criteria:
i.
ii.

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only has an affiliated junior association conducting a junior competition and does not
conduct a senior competition; and
has a local Council Indoor Centre that conducts a senior “social” competition only.
Senior and Veteran teams – all country players must have resided in the local Association
area and played in the local Council competition since November of the previous year.
Senior and Veteran players in this special category must nominate through a Basketball WA
Affiliated Association.
Any team that is found to have played an ineligible player will be deemed to have forfeited
that game. Additionally, a fine as determined by Basketball WA not to exceed $100 may be
levied against that Association
6.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS
Teams shall be restricted to a maximum of twelve (12) players, of which only ten (10) can play in any
one game.
7.
ELIGIBILITY FOR FINALS
To be eligible to compete in Grand Finals, players must physically participate for a team in more than
fifty per cent (50%) of Championship games in the division nominated. The Competitions
Administrator has the authority to review and allow exemptions for special circumstances. A bye
does not count as a qualifying game.
Any team that is found to have fielded a player that is ineligible to play in a Finals game will
be deemed to have forfeited that game. Additionally, a fine as determined by Basketball WA
not to exceed $100 may be levied against that team.
8.
GRADING
Championship participation shall relate to results from the previous year’s BWA Country
Championships. Where excess nominations are received, the Administrator shall determine the
placement of these teams, having regard to that Association’s standard of play. Decisions by the
Administrator will be final as to the grading of any team(s). As a general principle, teams from larger
Associations will be allocated to higher divisions.
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9.
ADVANCEMENT & RELEGATION
Where practical and having regard to Rule Eight (8), the winning Grand Final team will be promoted
and the bottom team in each division will be relegated.
In both cases the amended divisional positions will operate for the following year’s Championships
depending on nominations received and the team list.
Teams not nominating shall, on future participation, maintain where possible, the position held
when they last competed.
10.
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CARDS
A current Working with Children Card will be required of Team Coaches and Managers over the age
of 18 involved with the Basketball WA Junior Country Championships who do not have a child
participating in the ordinary activities of the relevant Basketball Association. However if the team is
staying together overnight during the Championships, then a Working with Children card is required
by those Team officials with a child in the team. (Refer to the guidelines www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au)
The current WWC card number and expiry date must be recorded on the Team Nomination form or
emailed to the Administrator prior to the Championships commencing. A photocopy of each WWC
card must accompany the Nomination form.
Basketball WA reserves the right to perform on-the-spot checks on any personnel at any time during
the Championships.
11.
MOUTH GUARDS
All players up to and including under 18 grades are required to wear a mouth guard whilst
participating in each Championship game. All players over the age of 18 are encouraged to wear a
mouth guard when participating at the BWA Country Championships.
An exception will only be granted to those who notify the BWA Competitions Administrator in
writing of the medical problem no later than seven (7) working days before the event. An original
copy of the medical certificate shall be presented to the BWA Competitions Administrator prior to
the commencement of the first game for the team of which he/she is a member.
12.
VETERANS
Depending on the number of team nominations, two divisions of Veterans may be allowed. These
will be Division 1 and Division 2. Grading will be determined as per Rule 8.
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13.
MOVEMENT OF PLAYERS
a)
Players are not permitted to move up or down between teams and/or divisions, once the
Championship has commenced.
b)
An exception is permitted for players who are eligible to play in either of the Veterans
divisions. These players are also eligible to play in Senior Divisions 1 or 2 for the same
Association in the same Championships.
c)
All Associations must register their team lists on-line by Thursday 5pm during the week prior
to their respective Country Championship weekend. This ensures all players names are
recorded for the first game of the Championships. This action is the responsibility of the
Associations.
14.
METHOD OF PLAY
a)
The competition shall be run according to the Official FIBA rules which include the no-charge
circle.
b)
Basketball WA shall determine the Championships format subject to the number of teams
participating in the Championship.
c)
Where practical, there shall be a full round robin of games with teams finishing in positions 1
& 2 at the conclusion of the qualifying rounds contesting a Grand Final.
d)
Basketball WA will aim to provide 6-7 games to the teams participating in the
Championships. However, this is completely dependent on the number of team nominations
received for each division.
e)
In Junior under 12, 13 and 14 Boys and Girls competition, the official Basketball Australia NO
ZONE rule applies. This means all teams must play Man to Man defence all of the time whilst
in the defensive half. Basketball WA will appoint an Official “Zone Buster” who will be
responsible for administering this rule.
If a team is found to be in violation of the “No Zone” rule, the Basketball WA “Zone Buster”
may instruct the referees to administer a technical foul to that team's coach. If subsequent
incidents occur by the same team then this team may be disqualified from the
Championships.
15.
GAME TIMINGS
a)
All senior games, where possible, shall consist of two halves of twenty (20) minutes when
the clock will not be stopped for any reason. All junior games shall consist of two halves of
twenty (20) minutes when the clock will not be stopped for any reason.
b)
A half time interval of three (3) minutes shall apply to all games. A maximum of two (2) time
outs per half only are permitted.
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In qualifying games, time outs will not be allowed during the last three (3) minutes of the
second half.
If a time out is in progress when the last three (3) minutes is announced, play will resume
immediately.
c)
Play is to resume as soon as practicable on a player receiving an injury, fifth or disqualifying
foul.
d)
Grand Final games will be fully timed for the last three (3) minutes of the second half. This
will also include the three (3) minutes of any extra time played in the event of a drawn
game.
NOTE: In the event of a drawn game, there will be 1 x three (3) minute period of extra time.
Each team will receive an additional time out.
16.
FORFEIT
a) Teams not prepared to commence play with a minimum of five (5) players within ten (10)
minutes of the starting time shall forfeit the game.
Any team which participates but fails to complete the rostered game schedule may
be excluded the following year. Additionally a fine, as determined by Basketball WA,
not to exceed $200 shall be levied against that team.
17.
UNIFORMS
Team uniforms for all players must be of the approved pattern and colour as REGISTERED by the
Association concerned. Permitted numbers are 4-15; 20-25; 30-35; 40-45; 50-55. Where a colour
clash occurs, the first named team on the fixtures shall use an alternate uniform. Please notify the
Competitions Administrator if this may be an issue for your teams. Playing singlets must be tucked
into playing shorts throughout the period of the entire game.
18.
BASKETBALLS
All competing teams must supply their own Spalding basketballs. Ball sizes for the Championships
will be based on Basketball Australia rules as follows:
U/12 Girls and Boys
Size 5
U/13 and U/14 Girls and Boys
73cm (29")
Size 6
U/15, U/16, U/18 Girls and Women’s divisions:
73cm (29")
Size 6
U/15, U/16, U/18 Boys and Men’s divisions:
75cm (30”)
Size 7
Any team using a basketball other than Spalding will be provided with a TF-1000 Legacy
basketball and the Association fined $100.
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19.
OFFICIALS
All teams are required to advise the BWA Competitions Administrator prior to first fixture:
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Name of team manager and referee
Accommodation venue
Contact telephone number(s)
All officials are to abide by the Code of Conduct for the position that they
hold as distributed by Basketball WA
All queries/complaints are to be directed to the team manager of each team. The
team manager may then bring these to the organisers for clarification.
20.
REFEREES
ALL REFEREES officiating during Country Championships must have been:
a)
actively officiating in an eligible Country Association;
b)
be competent for the game(s) they have been nominated to referee.
c)
at the commencement of the Championships, all referees are invited to indicate if they
are available to officiate Grand Final games.
d)
Referees are required to wear a BWA green shirt for the Championships. If a Referee
requires one, they must report to the Games Controller and purchase one. Black
trousers/slacks and black footwear are preferred dress.
e)
Referee appointments for Grand finals will be advised at a meeting of Referees
approximately three (3) time slots prior to the commencement of the Finals.
f)
Referees will be required to provide a mobile telephone number at which they can
be contacted during the Championship.
g)
Referees are to make themselves familiar with the Championship rules and to ensure that
the rules are abided by.
h)
Referees must report to the Referees Co-ordinator upon arrival at the Bendat Basketball
Centre.
Failure of a nominated referee to attend a fixtured game- $75 per referee, per game.
Failure to provide/use a Country Referee - $500 fine.
21. SCORERS
Each Association will be required to provide one (1) scorer per team.
The scorer should be able to perform all of the following duties competently:
a)
b)
operate Stadium Scoring.
operate the visual equipment.
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c)
have a good understanding of the game clock rules for the last 3 minutes of operation in Grand
Final games.
Failure to provide a score table official - $25 per game.
NB: A player is not to perform the duties of a scorer and play in the same game.
22.
PHOTOGRAPHY
a)
h)
Individuals must seek permission by completing a form from Basketball WA prior to the
event to photograph players or film games at the BWA Country Championships.
Identification will be provided to successful applicants and must be worn at all times.
Identification is non-transferable.
Applicants will be provided with a clear brief about what is considered appropriate in terms
of content and behaviour.
Concerns regarding inappropriate or intrusive photography/videography should be reported
in writing to the Basketball WA Community Basketball Administrator. The matter should be
recorded in the same manner as any other child protection concern.
Basketball WA may endorse a business to take photographs of players or teams during a
Championship for monetary gain. This business will require the written permission of the
player(s) concerned.
Video equipment must be hand held and the user must not encroach onto the area used by
referees to officiate a game.
SLR cameras are not permitted to be used by spectators
23.
STANDINGS
a)
Points tables for each division of play shall be maintained in all Championship
divisions.
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
b)
WIN
3 points
DRAW
2 points
LOSS
1 point
FORFEIT
-1 point
Bye
3 points
Should two (2) or more teams be level on competition points at the conclusion of
the qualifying games, eligibility to compete in the Grand Final shall be based on
previous results between those teams. In the event that there are still teams tied,
then point’s averages taking into account only the results of the games between the
tied teams, will be used to determine placings. In the event of two (2) teams
finishing equal on points due to a draw against each other in the qualifying games
an overall percentage shall determine the higher position.
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24.
STATE JUNIOR TEAM SQUADS
State junior teams will only be permitted to enter the Championships at the discretion of the BWA
Competitions Administrator. These teams will be guest teams and therefore are ineligible to
participate in the Grand Finals, or receive MVP / All-Star votes
However, results of games involving State teams are counted towards final placing in the
competition.
State squad participation takes priority over Association participation.
25.
PROTESTS AND DISPUTES
a)
Any protest arising during the BWA Country Championships shall be in writing, and duly
signed by the team captain of the Association lodging the protest. Such protest shall be
lodged within thirty (30) minutes of the completion of the game with the BWA Competitions
Administrator or Games Controller.
A fee of $100 shall accompany the written protest. If the protest is upheld the fee shall be
refunded.
Any protest shall be referred to the Judiciary Committee and be determined as soon as
practical.
b)
c)
26.
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
The Basketball WA Competitions Administrator shall appoint a committee of four (4) members to act
as a Championship Judiciary and will convene as soon as possible on any protest or report that has
been lodged.
27.
PENALTIES
Standard penalties will be applied for non-compliance with Championship Rules and these appear
after their corresponding/relevant Rule.
Fines as detailed shall be charged to the Association concerned and must be paid within fourteen
(14) days. Teams incurring penalties shall be reported to Basketball WA, who may apply additional
penalties up to and including non-eligibility to compete in future Championships for a specified
period.
28.
APPEALS
Associations shall have the right to appeal within ten (10) days any penalties prescribed under Rule
27. The appeal shall be in writing addressed to Basketball WA Community Basketball Administrator
and shall detail in full the circumstances relating to the appeal. The matter shall be dealt with by
Basketball WA.
29.
WITHDRAWALS
a)
In the event of the withdrawal of any team accepted in the Championship list, an
immediate replacement will be named from teams on the waiting list. A
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replacement team shall be as near as is possible to the grade status of the
withdrawn team.
b)
If an Association withdraws a team three (3) weeks out from the commencement of
the Championships, they will forfeit their nomination fee.
c)
If an Association withdraws a team two (2) weeks out from the commencement of
the Championships, they will forfeit their nomination fee and a fine of $200 shall
incur. The Association concerned may be declared ineligible to nominate a team for
the same Division the following year.
d)
All Championship fixtures shall be dated on the day of issue. Should any team
withdraw after the Championship fixtures have been completed and emailed and/or
posted on the website:
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30.
The Association concerned may be declared ineligible to nominate a team for the
same Championship the following year.
Any nomination fee shall be forfeited.
A fine of $300 per team shall be incurred
Fines are to be paid within fourteen (14) days.
DOOR CHARGES
Door charges for each BWA Country Championship shall be fixed by Basketball WA with discretion to
include a component for development.
NB: $1.00 of this fee will go towards the Country Development Fund. This Fund is distributed by
recommendations made by all Country Associations.
31.
AMENDMENTS
Basketball WA shall have the power to alter and/or amend these rules from time to time as
required.
32.
ITEMS NOT PROVIDED FOR
The Basketball WA Community Basketball Administrator or Basketball WA Competitions
Administrator shall deal with any matter not covered in the rules, provided it comes within the
objectives of Basketball WA.
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